N'Zogbia looked lively and one run and cross teed up a chance for Hugo Rodallega 15 yards out but Blues defender Scott Dann made a great block on the shot.

The former Newcastle player then forced City goalkeeper Ben Foster to turn a rising 20-yard drive over the bar after a mistake by Lee Bowyer had led to the opening.

Jerome then missed a good chance to break the deadlock after 26 minutes.

Larsson again showed skill to get to the byline before sending over a deep cross, but Jerome failed to make full contact on his close-range header which flew wide.

Johnson and Rodallega were both booked after squaring up to each other on the edge of the Birmingham box and Ronnie Stam was booked by referee Mark Clattenburg for bringing down Craig Gardner in full flight.

Blues ended the opening half on a high and Gohouri was also booked for a challenge on the edge of the Wigan box on Jerome.

Al Habsi parried away Larsson's inswinging free-kick and then reacted quickly to block the follow-up effort from Jerome from two yards out but the striker should have scored.

Birmingham seemed off the pace but still continued to create the best chances.